What happened
On 3 June 2016, a Fournier RF5B, registration G-BPWK, was performing a private local flight when it approached the shorter grass runway at Usk Airpland, Monmouthshire. The pilot was flying on a heading of roughly 060º.
As the aircraft entered the landing flare, the pilot became aware that the available runway length might be inadequate for the intended ground run. Upon touchdown, the pilot attempted to operate the landing gear brake lever; however, during this movement, the flight spoilers were accidentally released. Because these spoilers are spring-loaded, they immediately retracted to their designed position. This sequence caused the aircraft to bounce and float along the grass strip. The aircraft subsequently touched down a second time but lacked the remaining distance required to come to a halt. The aircraft overran the airfield boundary and toppled down a 12-foot embankment into a nearby stream.
There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained significant damage to the propeller blades, lower cowling, fuselage, and left wing, and the engine experienced a shock-load.
The investigation
The investigation examined the mechanical operation of the aircraft's braking and spoiler systems, as well as the pilot's actions during the landing phase. It was established that the flight spoilers functioned as designed by retracting when released. The investigation also considered established airmanship guidelines regarding landing stability and the necessity of performing a go-around if a landing is not stabilized within the initial portion of the runway.